I am so thrilled that we have new members joining our little community. While things have been quite here, I have been extremely busy creating some amazing material to support those that are doing Advance Care Planning as a career path. Very soon I will have all the new material loaded here for easy access and download by those who are ACP students. I truly appreciate everyone's patience, and I promise that soon Kettle and Candle will be bustling along with new materials and some great offers for everyone!! So, hang on just a little longer and then you will see the wait was worth it!! Thank each and every one of you for your support and for your inspiration! Put The Kettle On..... we are going to be chatting over a cup of your favorite brew soon! Namaste' Pam

Today during my cancer treatment, I’m met a couple who was dealing with the recent new diagnosis of metastatic kidney cancer, and the husband was there for his first palliative chemotherapy treatment and waiting to start palliative radiation treatments. As I talked to them, I learned that they did have a medical power of attorney and a generic advance directive to their physicians that was set up during their estate planning with their lawyer. After personally learning how woefully inadequate that generic directive to the physicians is in the state of Texas, I told them a little bit about myself; my background and training as an advanced care planner. I emailed the wife, who is now caring for her husband and making all decisions, the Emery Care guide as well as the Texas Advanced Directive that is available through the AARP website. I gave her my contact information and told her to reach out to me. I also discussed palliative care and hospice care with them to make sure that they engage that early and not wait until the last minute. It Felt like a pretty big win being able to help somebody else, especially when they’re dealing with this terminal diagnosis which will likely be terminal sooner than later. It was very clear that they had a lot on their plate given that this is a new diagnosis and it’s already spread to his bone and brain. I over heard a conversation the wife was having with Medicare for approval to pay the $4,500 copay for the chemo over time. I told them that I offer this service for free as I’m blessed to not need the money for doing this. I plan to follow up next week to see if they want to setup a meeting

Way back when😉 there was a show hosted by James Lipton called Inside the Actors Studio. I loved the show. Every show ended with Lipton asking his guest the attached questions. How would you answer? I’ll put my answers in the comments.

Greetings my fellow travelers! I started the year with GREAT intentions of attending 365 classes and working through the Soul Injury book. What is it they say about “best laid plans”, and who is “They” anyway?!? Since starting treatment for my leukemia/lymphoma I have found that my expectations are not lining up with my reality. I’m still working through the Soul Injury book and find it to be one of the best books I’ve ever read on multiple levels. I’m going through treatment and it’s definitely working which is GREAT, but I’m finding that it leaves me fatigued at the most unexpected times. I hope to see y’all at the next class. May the universe continue to shine on you in the most wonderful ways!!

I am grateful for God allowing me to make another trip around the sun!